Exporting dxf

[duVX7Q3]

Good day.

I am trying to find a way to export from pcb to dxf or dwg such that I can select particular layers to turn ON.

For example, I want to export a dxf file such that only the following are ON:

1. 21 (tPlace)

2. 25 (tNames)

3. 17 (Pads)

4. 29 (tStop)

I have tried exporting via Manufacturing tab -> Export Gerber, NC Drill, Assembly and Drawing Outputs but I couldn't see option to select layers to export to dxf. I also tried changing my view by selecting my own layer set (which only shows the above 4 layers I am interested). The generated dxf seems to have its own set of layers to include.

Thank you

Figure 1. No way to select layers to include

Figure 2. Sample dxf generated (top and bottom are shown)

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @duVX7Q3,

I hope you're doing well. The DXF just includes all of the layers. You could separate the layers in whatever tool you are bringing the DXF into.

Another option is to turn on only the layers you want to export and then run the dxf.ulp to export those as just a flat to DXF. Everything will be exported to the same layer. 

Try that and let me know if you continue to run into problems.

Best Regards,

[squigleyZWHQC]

When I use dxf.ulp on the 2D board some of the information is missing.  Elements on the same layer are missing.  Ex the dimensions.  The arrows and numbers are on the same layer.  Same for the Drill Plan.

2D PCB

Resulting DXF

[jorge_garcia]

Hello @squigleyZWHQC ,

I hope you're doing well. The dxf.ulp is quite old and I don't think it supported all possible objects. What are you trying to achieve? This thread is quite old and you may be able to achieve what you want through the drawings environment in Fusion.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[squigleyZWHQC]

I need a dxf of the 2D PCB to make an assembly drawing for the board.

[jorge_garcia]

Hello @squigleyZWHQC ,

I hope you're doing well. Have you tried creating the drawing in the Electronics Drawing environment? This would be the recommend approach now versus using the old DXF ulp. Additionally you can generate a PDF of the 2D PCB which would be even simpler in this case since there is no conversion(DXF) or 3D PCB involved(Electronics Drawings).

If you want to try the PDF method go Document > Print. Select Print to PDF . It will print whatever you see on the screen to the PDF.

Let me know if either of these works for you.

Best Regards,

[scott8UDGF]

Hi Jorge, I've been binging your videos trying to teach myself Fusion Electronics.  I'm a pretty good CAD/CAM user but Electronics is kicking my butt!  🙂 I wonder if you can point me to some resources on the following issue I'm having.

I am looking for an efficient way to export specific electronics layers from Fusion  (paid version running on macOS) into xTool Studio as separate DXF files.

The Workflow Issue: Currently, when I export a DXF of my board, all features (Pads, Traces, and Holes) are bundled together. Because I need to assign different machine operations in xTool Studio—Engrave for Pads, Score for Traces, and Cut for Holes—I am forced to manually select and re-assign every single element after import. For a complex board, this is extremely time-consuming and prone to error.

My Requirements:

• Automated Separation: I need a way to batch-export or individually export these layers so they arrive in the laser software already separated into files or layers.

• Alignment Integrity: The separate files must maintain perfect 1:1 alignment so they can be stacked in xTool Studio without manual "nudging".

• Native Mac Compatibility: Since I am running Fusion natively on Mac, I am looking for a solution that doesn't rely on Windows-only external converters.

Question: Is there a ULP script, a hidden "Manufacturing Model" feature, or a third-party plugin that allows for the batch-export of individual layers to DXF? I've experimented with "Project to Sketch," but doing that for every layer on every revision is still very manual.

I’ve attached a screenshot of my current board for context. Any advice on a "one-click" or streamlined export workflow would be greatly appreciated! This board is a prototype as I am just learning this, so I will eventually go 2 sided and send it to a board house for manufacture.

Thanks!

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @scott8UDGF ,

I hope you're doing well. I don't know enough about Fusion's machining capabilities but if you Fusion can run your machine directly you might be able to avoid this DXF workflow. If that's not an option, then I would recommend trying the dxf.ulp. This ULP is WYSIWYG so whatever layers you have active will be exported to the DXF file, this is likely the easiest way. You can setup a few layer sets and then switch between them and run the DXF.ulp.

Another option is to use the Electronics CAM processor, the generated DXF has separable layers but it will have them all in one file. 

Try these two approaches maybe one of them will work better.

Best Regards,

[lauri_barnhart]

Hello, @scott8UDGF,

Did the information provided by @jorge_garcia help you and answer your question?

If yes, please click on the "Accept Solution" button. This will assist other community users in finding and benefiting from this information.

If not, please do not hesitate to give an update in this thread so all community members receive an update on the progression of your question, and can suggest next steps that may be helpful for you to achieve what you're looking for.

All the best,

Lauri | Community Manager

[squigleyZWHQC]

Another option is to use the Electronics CAM processor, the generated DXF
has separable layers but it will have them all in one file.

What does this mean?

I do not see anything in the CAM Processor pop up referring to DXF.

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @squigleyZWHQC 

See the image below:

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best Regards,